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 Blue Ridge PBS local programs racked up five
broadcasting awards in June, including a 2007
Virginia Association of Broadcasters first place award for
"Remembering the War," presented during a June 27 ceremony in Virginia
Beach, Va.
"Remembering the War" is a regional collection of stories from 36
World War II veterans and civilians who lived through the war. The
film won the top spot in the best documentary category, sharing first
place with a film from WHRO-TV based in Norfolk, Va.
Earlier last month, "Remembering the War" also won a 2008 Silver
Telly award, the top prize in an annual awards
program that honors the very best local, regional, and cable
television programs and video productions. Bronze Tellys were awarded
to an episode of "Blue Ridge Excursions," Blue Ridge PBS' weekly,
local magazine show, and "World War II Virginia Scroll of Honor," a
simple yet moving salute to Virginians who died while serving our
country during the war. The "Scroll of Honor" also won a 2008
Videographer Award, June 1, from the
Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals.
 "These honors and Blue Ridge PBS'
success would not be possible without the generous support of our
viewers across the region," said James Baum, station President and
CEO. "We're proud to share these awards with our viewers,
especially the veterans and other area residents who so graciously
shared their memories of World War II."
World War II history is a popular subject across the region, and with
so much national publicity surrounding Ken Burns' epic documentary
"The War" last fall, Blue Ridge PBS seized the opportunity to involve
local veterans who served in the war and civilians who experienced
life on the home front. "Remembering the War" and the "Scroll of
Honor" were two examples of local productions that helped bring the
intensity of the war era, and Burns' film, closer to home.
 "It was an honor and a
privilege to be able to work on these projects," said Carol
Jennings, Blue Ridge PBS Production Manager, who led the "Scroll of
Honor" and "Remembering the War" productions. "It is so important
to capture the stories of the generation that fought and lived through
World War II before they are lost to us forever."
These productions were a labor of love and respect for Jennings and
Producer/Directors Jim Hammerstrom and Jim Underwood-the Blue Ridge
PBS production team which has been sharing stories about our region
with viewers for a combined total of more than 50 years.
The "Blue Ridge Excursions" featured stories from across the region,
connecting the people of Southwestern, Southside & Central Virginia to
what is happening in their neighboring communities, and highlighting
points of interest within driving distance. The episode recognized
with an award included stories about families who meet near Lexington
for BMX racing, Roanoke's professional juggler and educator Chris
Taibbi, and a visit to the Beckley Coal Mine Museum in Beckley, W.Va.
This magazine-style format is being considered again as Blue Ridge PBS
prepares to launch a new slate of local programming, in HD, this
coming fall.
"These awards are a testament to the incredible talent and
professionalism of Blue Ridge PBS' amazing production staff,"
added Baum. "Such accolades for our local programming also validate
the value of community-focused broadcasting. Blue Ridge PBS is able to
pursue stories and issues that speak directly to our viewers-stories
that address the history, arts, culture, educational needs and
economic health of an entire region."
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About the Virginia Association of Broadcasters
The Virginia Association of Broadcasters has been working to advance
broadcasting since 1937. The Association provides legal advice, holds
sales, news and production educational seminars, and provides
government relation services for its members. The VAB sponsors
scholarship and internship programs to help educate and train future
broadcasters, and the annual awards program recognizes excellence in
broadcasting among its member stations. For more information on the
VAB, please visit: vabonline.com/membership/benefits.aspx.
About the Telly Awards
The Telly Awards honor the very best local, regional, and cable
television commercials and programs, as well as the finest video and
film productions, and work created for the Web. Since 1978, our
mission has been to strengthen the visual arts community by inspiring,
promoting, and supporting creativity. The 2007 Telly Awards received
over 14,000 entries from all 50 states and 5 continents. The Telly
statuette is designed by the same firm that makes the Oscar and Emmy.
Visit
www.tellyawards.com for more information.
About the Videographer Awards
The Videographer Awards is administered and judged by the Association
of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP). The international
organization consists of several thousand marketing, communication,
advertising, public relations, media production and free-lance
professionals who have entered AMCP programs. The AMCP advisory board
oversees awards and recognition programs, provides judges and sets
standards of excellence. Visit www.amcpros.com for more
information. |
